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Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

My name is Jamal Muhammad Kitchen. I’m 29 years old—and fun fact, I’m a Leap Year baby born on February 29th, so technically I’ve only had a few real birthdays! I’m originally from San Antonio, Texas, but I now call Austin home. I’ve always had a deep passion for storytelling, whether it’s through writing, filmmaking, or just imagining the “what ifs” of everyday life.

I consider myself a creative at heart—a true crime enthusiast, a hopeless romantic, and someone who lives for the adrenaline of a great suspense mystery. My work blends those passions, and I hope to continue sharing stories that are bold, emotional, and unforgettable. One of my biggest dreams is to see my stories come to life on screen someday, and I’m just getting started.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Between Two Worlds?

One of the biggest challenges was staying on track with the storyline. At first, I was tempted to explore a lot of different directions—at one point I even considered adding supernatural elements like vampires! I also debated pulling more directly from my own love life (or lack thereof, to be honest), but ultimately, I reminded myself to stay true to my original vision: a raw, emotional true crime story.

Another challenge was balancing the message with the mystery. I didn’t just want to write a suspenseful thriller—I wanted Between Two Worlds to shine a light on the very real and often overlooked trauma of domestic violence in LGBTQ+ relationships. These situations happen more than people realize, but they’re rarely talked about. Sometimes when you’re dating someone of the same sex, the lines around abuse can get blurred—people might think it’s a “fair fight,” but the same rules of morality and humanity apply. Keep your hands to yourself. Treat others the way you’d want to be treated. That’s a message I really wanted to embed in the story without losing the tension and pacing of the plot.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

First and foremost—Mel Robbins. That “5-4-3-2-1, just do it!” mentality changed everything for me. I realized the only thing holding me back from releasing my creativity into the world was me. Once I got into a groove writing Between Two Worlds, there was no stopping me. I’m pretty sure I mentally exhausted all my friends and family from hyping up my project every chance I got—but it became something I truly looked forward to every evening after work. It stopped being a dream and started becoming a lifestyle.

I’m also a huge fan of Sword and Scale. Shout out to Mike Boudet—the best narrator and storyteller I’ve ever heard in the true crime space. His podcast is honestly the only one I listen to religiously. The way he builds suspense, mixes facts with emotion, and brings humanity to dark, disturbing stories definitely inspired the tone and style of my book.

And I can’t forget Tyler Perry and Ryan Murphy. Their work has had a massive influence on me. They’re bold, fearless, and know how to take real situations and turn them into something unforgettable—cinematic, raw, emotional. They taught me through their art that you can go where most artists don’t dare. That kind of creative freedom is what I strive for in my own work.

Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Fun fact—I’ve never left the great state of Texas… yet! But I’ve always had my eyes set on Denver, Colorado. In fact, I based the setting of Between Two Worlds in Denver because of how drawn I am to its natural beauty, its vibe, and the balance between city life and peaceful mountain escapes. I plan to visit Denver very soon—hopefully as one of the first stops on my future book tour. So while I haven’t been yet, it already holds a special place in my heart.

Now, if we’re talking bucket-list travel dreams: I’ve never been on a plane (I have a major fear of heights), but one day I absolutely want to visit Dubai. The architecture is unreal, the city is stunning, and I’m dying to stay in one of those underwater hotels. That’s definitely one for the vision board!

Q5. What inspired you to write the book Between Two Worlds?

If I’m being completely honest… It all started one Friday evening while I was walking my dog, listening to Luke Combs’ “The Lonely One,” and just in my feelings. No dates, friends were busy, family back in San Antonio—what was a guy to do? LOL.

Originally, I was planning to write a lighthearted autobiography about my single life—something fun, romantic, maybe a little messy. But as I paced around my apartment with my dog and Sword and Scale playing in the background, the vibe shifted. The idea started evolving into something darker, deeper, and way more thrilling. Before I knew it, I had created a true crime love triangle with layers of obsession, betrayal, and emotional chaos. And I swear—I’m not bitter! Just inspired.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book Between Two Worlds?

Just 4 short months! Honestly, it was one of the most fun and fulfilling creative projects I’ve taken on in a long time. Once I found my rhythm, the story poured out of me. I’d come home from work, curl up in bed next to my dog, start writing—and before I knew it, it was midnight. That’s when I knew I was doing something I genuinely loved. Time disappeared, and I was completely lost in the world I was creating.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

You can find Between Two Worlds: A True Crime Story available now on Amazon! It’s offered in both Kindle and paperback formats, and if you’re a Kindle Unlimited member, you can read it for free as part of your subscription!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title Between Two Worlds.

The title Between Two Worlds came to me almost instantly as I began developing the storyline. It perfectly captured the emotional and psychological tug-of-war the main character faces—caught between two men, two versions of himself, and two very different paths in life. At its core, the book is about the consequences of emotional dishonesty, the weight of guilt, and the struggle to find peace in a chaotic, often unhinged world.

I wanted to spotlight the truth that honesty really is the best policy. When you hide parts of yourself or live a double life, someone innocent almost always gets caught in the crossfire. But no matter how far things spiral, I truly believe there’s always a way out—you just have to respect yourself enough, and find the courage to choose what’s morally right.

As for the cover, I wanted all three characters featured to give the story a human touch. Their presence adds weight to the emotional stakes, and visually sets the tone for the triangle of love, obsession, and betrayal. I also wanted the imagery to symbolically reflect the idea that some stains never wash away—that what’s done in the dark will eventually come to light.

Q9. When writing a book, how do you keep things fresh—for both your readers and yourself?

For me, pacing was everything. I didn’t write every single night—I gave myself space between writing sessions. Not to brainstorm or force the storyline, but to avoid turning the process into something that felt like homework. That breathing room helped me stay excited about the project and allowed the story to unfold more naturally.

Those breaks gave me a fresh perspective each time I came back to the page. It gave my ideas time to marinate so that when I did lie down to write, it felt more organic and intentional. I was very in tune with my creative rhythm during this process. And honestly—you can’t rush greatness. Sometimes, stepping back is exactly what you need to keep the story sharp and inspired.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Honestly—I haven’t been given a ton of writing advice. But if I could share one thing with other writers, authors, and creatives out there, it’s this: GET IT ALL OUT. Write it down. Speak it into your phone. Type it up on your laptop. Even if it doesn’t make perfect sense at first, just get it out of your head and into the world.

The vision will come together as you go. I think a lot of people get intimidated by the idea of “putting it all together” before they even start—but the truth is, the magic happens once the ideas are physically in front of you. That’s when the sparks start to fly.

We cap our own potential when we overthink. So don’t wait for it to be perfect—just 5-4-3-2-1… DO IT! (Love you, Mel Robbins!)

Final Message to Readers:
Thank you so much for taking the time to get to know me and the story behind Between Two Worlds. This book is more than just a thriller—it’s a piece of my heart, shaped by my love for storytelling, true crime, and the complexity of human emotion. If you’re reading this and you’ve got a story inside you too—tell it. The world needs more raw, real, and fearless voices.

To my readers: thank you for your support, your curiosity, and your willingness to step into the world I created. I can’t wait to bring you more.

Stay bold. Stay creative. And never be afraid to walk between two worlds.

— Jamal M. Kitchen

Buy Between Two Worlds on Amazon